Hebrews 10:30: “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.”
When someone strikes me, usually with harsh words I can feel my whole being longing to strike back. My mind searches for that perfect comeback and pointed word that will hurt them right back. I feel I must do something so that I don’t suddenly become a welcome mat, stepped on and underfoot. Should I let them put mud on me? Is it ok that my enemies are working to disgrace me? Of course not.
When someone needs comfort I somehow assume that I am the one to do it. My heart breaks for the person with tears and wailing. I see the hurt and I want to take it away. My Christian teaching often directs me to do so. But what does God think? Is helping someone in pain, wrong? Of course not.
Either end of this spectrum should start with a look to the Holy Spirit. “What would you have me to do?” When you train your ears to hear from Him, it is likely that you will be able to respond quicker. Sometimes my instinct is to run away from conflict, but the Holy Spirit prods me into the fight. Other times, He will direct me to simply let it go. Sometimes the Holy Spirit directs me to stop and help, other times He will say leave them for someone else.
Jesus had been in Jerusalem many times. Likely walked by the Gate Beautiful. The lame man there is reported to have been there for a very long time. It would have been natural for Jesus to stop and heal that man. But that man was to be healed by the words of Peter and John. Jesus simply obeyed the Father
To know God is to know what He wants you to do in each situation and teach your ears to hear His voice. It is in doing so that we begin to make a difference in the world. It is through His guidance that people are transformed.
